How applying to a Chinese university works

The university recruits and decides

A university that enrols international students recruits them on its own, within national rules, and files with the education authority. It sets its own enrolment plan and majors, publishes an admissions brochure, and recruits by the conditions and procedure in that brochure.

The university examines the applicant's qualifications and proof of financial support, and tests or assesses the applicant. Admission is decided by the school. A school may not admit someone who does not meet its conditions.

MOE Order No. 42 · Articles 7 to 12

Degree and non-degree categories

International students in degree education are junior college students, undergraduates, master's students and doctoral students. Non-degree students are preparatory students (预科生), advanced students (进修生) and research scholars (研究学者). Language students who are not enrolled for a degree fall in the non-degree group.

MOE Order No. 42 · Article 9

Language of instruction

Chinese is the basic language of instruction, and a school may provide remedial study for students whose Chinese falls short. Universities that have the conditions may offer programmes taught in a foreign language. Chinese and an overview course on China are compulsory in degree programmes either way.

MOE Order No. 42 · Articles 16, 18 and 19

If you apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship

The official guide describes seven steps. You choose a programme, university and major; get admission documents from the university; get a recommendation from the application receiving agency; and submit the online application form. The agency then submits its recommended candidates, the China Scholarship Council organises the review, and the result reaches you through the agency.

CSC Application Guide · Section V

After you are admitted

You apply for a study visa before entry: X1 for study of more than 180 days, X2 for 180 days or fewer. Where the visa says a residence permit is needed, you apply for it within 30 days of entry. At enrolment the school confirms your physical examination record, and insurance is compulsory.

MOE Order No. 42 · Articles 35, 36, 39, 40 and 45

Applicants under 18

A school that admits a student under 18 whose parents do not live in China must require the parents to formally entrust a foreigner or Chinese citizen living in China as guardian, with supporting documents.

MOE Order No. 42 · Article 38